“They’re the unsung heroes who are up at the crack of dawn to sort the mail, pack it in their postbags and then visit every home with the day’s post.

“At the beginning of December, work is already busier than normal. With online shopping as it is, it will get much busier before it gets any better. Just after 7am, all the posties had a smile on their face despite the mountain of post and the tight deadlines.

“It was an early start for Maree Todd and me but a great time to thank the posties for all that they do and pick up my post.”

Maree Todd added: “Kate Forbes and I had an early morning visit to the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Dingwall this week.

“It really is a hive of activity at this time of year - busy, but incredibly efficient.

“It was great to get the opportunity say thank you in person to all the posties. They work incredibly hard all year, not least during the Christmas period!”.

The last recommended posting dates for Christmas are Tuesday 18 December for second class, Thursday 20 December for first class, and Saturday 22 December for special delivery.